Bell Extends Warwickshire Contract

England batsman Ian Bell has signed a two-year contract extension with Warwickshire that will see him remain with the Edgbaston club until the end of the 2012 season.

Bell, who has played 53 Tests for England, and helped his country to a 1-1 series draw in South Africa earlier in the year, first played for Warwickshire since 1999.

"We are delighted to have Ian committed to the Club for a lengthy period, he is a quality player and is a Bear through and through," Warwickshire director of cricket Ashley Giles told the club's official website (www.edgbaston.com).

"His experience of both domestic and International cricket make him a great role model for the younger members of the squad and a great asset to Ian Westwood when he is available to play for us in the summer."

Bell added: "I have been a Bear since I was a boy and I have no desire to play anywhere else, Warwickshire is my cricketing home and I love playing at Edgbaston and with the Bear on my chest. I think the future of the club is hugely exciting under Ashley and I hope to be able to make a significant contribution to the success I believe we can achieve under him over the next few years."